PDSA, Kilmarnock

Within Kilmarnock there are many charity shops that need help, particularly during the holiday season - doing anything from moving stock to serving customers.

The PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals) is a charity which helps pet owners who cannot afford veterinary care at a private vet. The PDSA helps to raise funds in order to reduce the owner’s costs and help them stay together with their beloved pet.

I volunteer every Saturday in the PDSA charity shop in Kilmarnock and we would love more volunteers! A bonus of working with the PDSA is that you will get your travel expenses refunded for any transport needed to get home, no matter the distance. Volunteering work is a great way to bolster your confidence working with the public, and is valuable to put on your applications for universities, college and especially jobs, with many jobs requiring work experience on a till prior to joining. Personally, volunteering has given me more confidence in working around the public and I feel more comfortable and willing to help around the store. It has also been an unbelievable help to gain my volunteering hours for the Duke of Edinburgh Award and Caritas Award.

The store is open from 9am - 5pm from Monday to Friday, making it perfect to find your ideal time to help. If you are interested in volunteering, it is located at 47 Foregate, Kilmarnock, KA1 1LU or you can sign up online. Your hours are flexible - just ask the manager what times are available and choose which time suits you.

Overall, I would definitely recommend volunteering in anyway or form as it is an essential skill that will help you now and later in life both on an educational basis and a personality/confidence basis. It also helps humanity putting your mark on the world, showing that you are willing to help anyone. Volunteering enables you to help the world become a better place for the entire human race.

Adam Shadlock